The Google TV Streamer 4K is an improvement over the Chromecast with Google TV. It’s a complete redesign of Google’s TV hardware that completely changes the footprint we’re used to with the Chromecast. The company has moved away from placing the dongle behind the television and has developed a flat, rectangular box with all necessary ports at its rear. The 22% increase in processing speed compared to the previous Chromecast model provides a less laggy experience across multiple apps.
Stream all your favorite shows and movies with one simple device
As the name suggests, the Google TV 4K outputs video up to 4K in HDR or Dolby Vision, and the Dolby Atmos audio will work as long as it has a compatible soundbar or AV receiver. The MediaTek MT8696 processor is designed for multitasking, so there should be no slowdown in video streaming while running multiple apps.
The most noticeable usability improvement is the new voice remote. One of the buttons on this remote is customizable and can be used to automatically start an application, bring up your smart home interface, or switch HDMI inputs. This remote also comes with a built-in “finder” function. Pressing a button on the back of the Google TV makes the remote emit a sound, helping you find it.
One of Google’s biggest selling points for this product is Smart Home Integration. This device contains a built-in Thread Border Router and supports Matter. So, if you have smart locks, sensors, or light bulbs that use either the Thread or Matter protocol, they can connect to the Google TV 4K without a separate hub. The device also features a new Home Panel. From here, you can dim lights, view camera footage from your Nest cameras, or adjust your thermostat all from the television while viewing your favorite show.
Storage gets a bump to 32 GB, which is four times what the old Chromecast shipped with. Google TV apps have grown larger over the years, and the old 8 GB filled up fast once you installed more than a handful. With the 32 GB on the Google TV 4K, you can keep Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, and others installed without juggling deletions.
Connectivity covers HDMI 2.1 out, USB-C for power and accessories, Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, and Thread radio. An HDMI 2.1 cable is required and isn’t included in the box. Cast support works for Android, iOS, Chromebook, and Windows for sending content from a phone or laptop to the TV without opening apps on the streamer itself.
The Google TV Streamer 4K normally lists at $100, and right now it’s going for $77. At that price, it sits in the same range as basic Roku and Fire TV products while offering more capability under the hood.
